Chapter 14: Range Wildlife Management

1. Wildlife population trends

2. Basic wildlife habitat concepts

3. Grazing effects on rangeland wildlife

a. Big gameb. Upland gamebirdsc. Waterfowld. Songbirds

e. Small mammalsf. Predatorsg. Raptorsh. Fishi. Endangered species4. Urbanization and

rangeland wildlife

Possible Negative Effects of Uncontrolled Grazing on Rangeland Wildlife

1. Reduced food supply2. Stress due to social interaction3. Reduced cover4. Disease transmission on wildlife

Possible Positive Effects of Controlled Grazing on Rangeland Wildlife

1. More diversity in vegetation composition and structure.

2. Higher component of palatable forbs. 3. Higher browse production.4. Grasses have higher nutritive content on big

game winter ranges (fewer wolf plants). 5. More diversity and higher populations of

insects.

Range Management for Wildlife

1. Wild ungulates2. Small mammals3. Upland game birds4. Waterfowl5. Songbirds6. Raptors 7. Insects 8. Fish 9. Reptiles10. Predators

Forage Allocation to Livestock and Big Game

Three conditions that must exist for competition between big game animals and livestock

1. Domestic and big game animals are using the same area.

2. Forage plants are in short supply.3. Both domestic and big game animals are

using the same forage plants.

Information Needed to Reduce Competition Between Big Game Animals and Livestock

1. Key forage plants for both species.2. The degree of use on key species.3. The ability of wild herbivores to switch to

other foods.4. Key areas where dual use occurs.5. Repeatability of dual use on key areas

from year to year.

Six Important Concepts in Allocating Forage to Different Animals1. Animals with broadest food habits tend to be most

successful under restricted forage availability.2. Large animals have ability to substantially alter their

food habits.3. Severe disturbances can force animals to use forage

or habitats not normally used. 4. Forage availability to animals prior to critical periods

may be more important than availability of forage during the critical period.

5. Population size can alter animal habitat use.6. Grazing a range by only one species of animal tends

to cause a trend away from one type of vegetation to another.